Former President Barack Obama said the Republican-backed SAVE Act would make voting harder for millions of Americans and urged Congress to reject the proof-of-citizenship requirement.
Obama Opposes SAVE Act
On Wednesday, Obama posted on X that “Republicans are still trying to pass the SAVE Act—a bill that would make it harder to vote and disenfranchise millions of Americans.”
He added, “Join @RedistrictAct and tell your member of Congress to vote no.”
The SAVE Act, supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and originally introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), would mandate documented proof of U.S. citizenship before an individual could be registered to vote in federal elections.
Democrats Vote No Against GOP Voting Bill
Several Democratic members of Congress criticized the Republican SAVE America Act, calling it a threat to voter access and pledging to vote no.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said the bill would require voters to present a passport or government ID and a birth certificate, which many Americans lack, calling it “voter suppression.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn) called the act a Republican attempt to “rig elections” that would disenfranchise millions, especially women, and said she voted no.
Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-Md.) noted that “non-citizen voting is already illegal in federal elections” and described the bill as an effort to suppress voters when politicians “can’t win” them. She also voted no.
Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) labeled the bill “the same racism, misogynistic trash, different decade,” calling it an attempt to intimidate and suppress votes. She voted no and urged colleagues to join her.
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) added that voters couldn’t rely on just a driver’s license; they’d need a passport, a birth certificate, plus a matching photo ID, or military service papers.
He noted that many Americans, including millions of married women, lack these documents and said he would vote no.
Republican Lawmakers Push Vote Yes On The SAVE Act
House and Senate Republicans defended the SAVE America Act as a measure to strengthen election security and ensure only eligible U.S. citizens vote.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the bill requires proof of citizenship to register and a valid photo ID to vote, calling these “commonsense safeguards” backed by nearly 90% of Americans.
He urged Democrats to listen to voters, saying, “Election integrity is NOT optional.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said the House passed the act and called on the Senate to pass it immediately, describing it as “common sense legislation”.
He criticized Senate Democrats for blocking the bill and suggested using procedural tools, including a talking filibuster, to overcome opposition.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FLa.) questioned why IDs are required for flying, driving, or holding office but not to vote, calling opposition from Democrats “common sense” and rejecting claims the bill is racist.
Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) highlighted that 35 states already have voter ID laws and described the SAVE Act requirement as “just common sense.”
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com
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